As we get closer to a new Nissan Frontier and Ford Ranger for the mid-size pickup truck segment, we're not surprised to be seeing more submissions from our spy shooters. However, we don't usually receive shots of crashed pickups — but that's what we have here.

"The destroyed truck pictured here — badged as the NP300 Frontier — has quite clearly been crash-tested recently. The note scrawled on its gas door says the truck's fuel tank was drained on Feb. 8, 2017, as a precautionary step prior to its controlled impact.

"Given that the Navara has been on sale outside of the U.S. since June 2014, the fact that one has been recently crash-tested in America seems indicative that it's coming here fairly soon. It seems logical to assume this truck has been crash-tested on U.S. soil for U.S. officials and for U.S.-market validation.

"The sticker on the side declares that the truck was used for a moderate overlap test at 40 mph, one of two frontal crash tests used by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its crash-testing program.

"Nissan's global Navara pickup variants have been on hand for evaluation at the automaker's Michigan facilities for the last two years. We've seen everything from the Nissan Navara to the look-alike Mexican-market NP300 Frontier, and even the French variant — the Renault Alaskan — stationed in Farmington Hills.

"Our sources at AutoPacific have suggested that Nissan's occasional denials about the Navara's influence on the next Frontier likely stem from the public relations team's desire to keep the focus on the full-size Titan and its slow rollout of its various configurations and body styles. AutoPacific remains convinced that the global Navara/NP300 Frontier will serve as the basis for the new U.S. model in 2019.

"Perhaps this sign of U.S. crash-testing of the global mid-size truck shows that Nissan is finally shifting its focusing to its mid-size Frontier to provide a fresh contender."

This is Nissan's attempt to cover their bases on the new Frontier since the IIHS scored the Titan/Titan XD as marginal with the small overlap crash test and headlamps and good on other tests. Since the truck has to meet US standards it could point to the possibility that US may be getting more "Americanized" versions of global products.

Also the driver side wheel is turned the wrong way which probably would've contributed to loss of stability if the crash wasn't intentional.

I saw this story on MT a few days ago.

Posted by: Liam | Mar 30, 2017 9:54:18 AM

Also if Nissan follows through this could be a kick in FCA's you-know-whats for stalling the Jeep pickup...again.

Posted by: Liam | Mar 30, 2017 9:55:32 AM

This is good news for us. Any advantage Nissan can gain on Ford's Ranger the better.

I don't know if our US standards are better than the rest of the modern world who all use one standard. This makes it cheaper for vehicle development and design.

The Mustang here has a high crash safety rating but in Europe its only 2 out of 5 stars.

Posted by: Wild Willy | Mar 30, 2017 10:47:38 AM

So, does the same company design all the mid-size trucks? On the Taco/twins/Frontier and the concept MB, all have the same back door rear window design, where the lower portion angles up at the back. That creates more of a blind spot for the driver looking out the right side then if left straight, and they talk about crash testing, now I know why....

Posted by: Dave | Mar 30, 2017 10:47:49 AM

So, does the same company design all the mid-size trucks? On the Taco/twins/Frontier and the concept MB, all have the same back door rear window design, where the lower portion angles up at the back. That creates more of a blind spot for the driver looking out the right side then if left straight, and they talk about crash testing, now I know why....

Posted by: Dave | Mar 30, 2017 10:47:49 AM

Dave,
You raised a thought provoking question.

I was thinking along similar lines, but one better.

I wonder if all pickups are designed by the one company.

They all have a cab and bed.

Posted by: Wild Willy | Mar 30, 2017 11:01:51 AM

At first I thought this was the new Ranger ...

Posted by: papajim | Mar 30, 2017 12:29:29 PM

U.S.A. & Canada are treated like a third world market by Nissan. Just keep selling the old design. This truck has been for sale since June of 2014 and were not getting it until 2019 model year!!!
Ford is doing the same thing to us with Ranger.
Chevrolet did the same thing to us with Colorado.

Posted by: AllAmerikan | Mar 30, 2017 12:46:38 PM

Wow Nissan will use this as an answer to the fine GM twins? It looks like part Honda Ridgeline and part Navarro. But the tailgate has that funny looking "tongue" along with the rear taillights off the full size truck/van, that are way out of proportion! Im sure it will be a fine truck and run good and all, but why bother? The Colorado and Canyon are very good American branded trucks, that will hold the spot till at least the new Ranger shows up, that will share the market with the GM twins, for the many pent up demands from those loyal to American trucks.

Posted by: Sandman4X4 | Mar 30, 2017 12:55:02 PM

Wow..if the Nissan pictured above was part of the 40MPH 40% Offset Crash Test, then it looks like the NP300/Navara is a safe truck.

Curious as to why the Renault Alaskan (2nd picture from the bottom) is here in the US.. Unless Nissan/Renault plan to offer that truck here also??

Posted by: Ed | Mar 30, 2017 2:09:10 PM

I think the rear doors and windows have that funky design because the rear fender well protrudes forward. Window can't roll all the way down if it was full-sized.

Posted by: Longboat | Mar 30, 2017 2:58:49 PM

Unless Nissan brings a diesel, or a turbo gasser, this is hardly worth the long awaited debut.

Posted by: papajim | Mar 30, 2017 3:09:29 PM

Doesn't mean anything you're thinking it does. Europe actually started using the 40/40 offset test as part of EuroNCAP 2 decades ago.

Posted by: Namenamename | Mar 30, 2017 5:17:51 PM

Wrong papajim, what it must have is a manual transmission in higher trim levels.

Posted by: Blakenship | Mar 30, 2017 8:18:19 PM

Isuzu D max under pins the GM Twins
most everything else is under pinned by the Navaro international truck of the year.
The Frontier will not be the Navaro. it may be based on it but it will be another beast .139 mph top speed with a slick suspension to soak up stumps.
Ford is making the last call can they muster an all aluminum Ranger that steals the show or do they go cheap only to fail.

Posted by: Dave | Mar 31, 2017 3:37:00 AM

Isuzu D max under pins the GM Twins
most everything else is under pinned by the Navaro international truck of the year.
The Frontier will not be the Navaro. it may be based on it but it will be another beast .139 mph top speed with a slick suspension to soak up stumps.
Ford is making the last call can they muster an all aluminum Ranger that steals the show or do they go cheap only to fail.

Posted by: Dave | Mar 31, 2017 3:37:01 AM

'it is long in the tooth.'

Mark that was wonderful - but please do give credit to Big Al from Down Under. Ha ha

That was great - ha ha

Posted by: David Robertson | Mar 31, 2017 9:20:10 PM

There are any number of reasons the Renault version of the NP300 is at NRD. The Eventual US version could use some exterior parts, with a unique grill. NRD may be doing application work for a different market- this happens in global companies.

Posted by: Mr Knowitall | Apr 3, 2017 10:59:55 AM

By the time the (new)Nissan, Ford and Jeep pickups finally come to market, GM will be due for a refresh, The Tacoma will be due for a facelift, maybe a new trans or two, and the Ridgeline should have its 10speed trans. Nissan better come right out of the gate with the new 9speed.

Posted by: Mr Knowitall | Apr 3, 2017 11:06:34 AM

The left front wheel was flipped around after the crash to make it easier to load onto the rollback without disturbing the results of the crash for study.

Posted by: John Walsh | Apr 3, 2017 11:06:36 AM

If the new Ranger is anything like the old one, the interior will break apart on the way home from the dealer.

Posted by: John Walsh | Apr 3, 2017 11:09:05 AM

I don't see how another 4 door midsize truck added to the sea of 4 door midsize trucks is going to be worth the wait for me. I need the usable bed space the single cab Mexican market NP300 has along with the shorter throw 6spd manual out of one of Nissan's cars.

Not one company makes a 6ft +- bed ,compact single cab truck for the U.S market. Is that void in the segment truly unfillable?

Toyota tacomas have seen 3 updates body versions while Nissan kept the same style. They sell like hot cakes in Hawaii because there's no competition. I don't like tacos in my town since they're targets of most thieves and chop shops, plus the local service center is very bad. I'm in desperate need of the new frontier so I can stick with Nissan and their better customer service provided here ( the current frontier's back seats are incredibly uncomfortable in my opinion )